Deputy Prime Minister to speak at VTA State Conference

The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has announced Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Transport, Infrastructure & Regional Development Michael McCormack has accepted an invitation to address State Conference 2019.

McCormack will open the conference on 25 March with an address in which it is expected he will outline the transport and infrastructure plans of the Morrison Government as it seeks re-election this year.

It is expected that reforms currently facing the industry will also be addressed by the Minister.

VTA CEO Peter Anderson said the State Conference had enjoyed the support of successive Commonwealth transport ministers and assistant ministers for the past three years.

McCormack’s attendance, according to Anderson, showed the government is committed to understanding the needs of industry.

“With the industry being exposed to significant change and reform this year, it is welcome news that Minister McCormack will join us at Silverwater Resort to explain the transport and infrastructure priorities of the Morrison Government,” he said.

“Minister McCormack has been very active and accessible since being appointed to the transport and infrastructure portfolio just under 12 months ago. We look forward to welcoming him to our conference and providing a forum for important and robust conversations about the future of our industry, and the support operators need from government to be successful,” said Anderson.

Held this year from March 24-26 at Silverwater Resort, Phillip Island, the State Conference aims to bring together 200 VTA members, supporters, sponsors and other stakeholders from the Victorian and national freight and logistics industry for important discussions on issues impacting freight operators.

Delegates will hear from a wide range of speakers from the Commonwealth and Victorian governments and oppositions, along with key regulators, road and rail authorities and suppliers to the industry.

The theme this year, Keeping Up With Transport Reform, has been designated to recognise the numerous reviews being conducted across driver licensing and training, road user charges and heavy vehicle national law.

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